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School and public libraries coordinate summer-reading push; library spaces refreshed
Summary
School library staff and the city public library reported new furniture and shelving upgrades in elementary libraries, expanded collections (including playaways) and a coordinated summer-reading partnership that doubled signups last year and plans a family finale event Aug. 14.
Library staff from the district and the public library presented a joint update to the board describing improvements to school library spaces, collection work and a coordinated summer-reading strategy.
Samantha Presley, library media specialist at Abrams Elementary, outlined physical changes at the elementary libraries (lower shelving, soft seating and school-color branding) and collection-development practices including regular 'weeding'. She said the school has increased its inventory of playaways — preloaded audio players that do not require internet access — to expand reading access for students who may travel or lack reliable home connectivity.
Rachel Pasko, director of the Oconto Falls public library, described a partnership with the district to promote summer reading: the public library’s outreach to schools included short classroom visits and a streamlined online signup process through ParentSquare that boosted participation. Pasko said last year’s outreach visits helped double signups, producing more than 1,000 attendees across 39 summer programs; the public library and school will co-host a grand-finale community event on Aug. 14 featuring a traveling inflatable museum and hands-on activities.
Board members praised the outreach and cross-institution cooperation. Staff noted the public library will continue to coordinate circulation, reciprocal borrowing and special passes (museum and state-park passes) that support family participation.
